Sara Swanson

Obituary: Lois Lucille Kothe

Decrease Font Size Increase Font Size Text Size Print This Page

Lois Lucille Kothe (1935 – 2020)

Lois Lucille Kothe, 84, of Spring Arbor, MI went home to be with her Lord the evening of April 1, 2020.  She was born June 12, 1935 to Willard Russell and Erma Lucille (Speakman) Rose.  A graduate of Pittsford High School, she celebrated 51 years of marriage with her husband Robert Ray Kothe. They were united in marriage March 19, 1955 at the Sharon Evangelical United Brethren Church of Manchester, MI.

She is survived by her children Elizabeth A. (Herbert M.) Hewett, Robert A. Kothe and Ronald R. (Norma A.) Kothe, her grandchildren Samuel J. Takalo, Kathryn R. Takalo, Richard S. (Caitlin) Kothe, Amber R. Kothe and Megon M. Kothe, her brothers and sisters Edward R. Rose, Dorothy E. Alexander, Carol A. Silvers, David J. (Glenda) Rose, Effie M. Ryan, step-granddaughter Virginia Skryzinski and step-great grandson Derek J. Skryzinski, several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents Willard R. and Erma L. Rose, husband Robert R. Kothe (2006), daughter-in-law Eulah Kothe, sisters-in-law Verna Bowers and Shirley Rose, brothers-in-law Laurence Bowers, Frank Alexander, Roy Gehringer and John Silvers.

Her working career included being a telephone operator, waitress, sales associate/cashier and meat clerk, retiring from Kroger.  When her children were in school she was a Cub Scout Leader, supported her children in FHA, was a class-room mother and helped with food preparation for the Manchester Community Fair. After retirement she volunteered with Kids Hope USA working with children who struggled with reading at Warner School in Spring Arbor, made quilt tops at the Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church to be sent to missions overseas and worked in the Art Program at the Kit Young Center for Special Need Adults. 

She always had a book to read nearby, recited the poetry of Stevenson, Longfellow and others and would share snippets of interest from the newspaper.  She loved a good thunder storm and being on the water but not in the water.  In addition she had a hanging plant garden that is surrounded by wind chimes and bird feeders. Like her father, she would say, “No one is a stranger, just a friend I have yet to meet”.  Saturday mornings were dedicated to long chats on the phone with her brothers and sisters but her favorite thing to do was spending time with her grandchildren and family. 

Due to the coronavirus, there was a private viewing of immediate family members.  A Memorial Service is planned for later in the year at the Sharon United Methodist Church.  In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory are asked to be given to the Sharon United Methodist Church of Manchester, MI where she was a member.  Until we are together again, “The LORD watches over you– the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.  The LORD will keep you from all harm– he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:5-8”.  Messages of support and comfort may be given by signing her guestbook at www.einederfuneralhomes.com   

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.
Become a patron at Patreon!

Become a Monthly Patron!

You must be logged in to post a comment Login